Dry Gulch Anecdotes

Yuppettes... Stranger Than Fiction

2011-10-31T08:31:00.000-04:00

I've seen it all this past season. Mostly yuppie moms (but a few dads) who don't mind telling you how to 'better' run one's life.

I received a lecture, from a mother of two, at a birthday party regarding the plastic garbage bags that I was using to contain the trash. She insisted that I was further damaging the the ecology of the planet. I'm not certain just what I was supposed to contain the trash with... perhaps a few thousand butterfly cocoons? After lecturing me for almost ten minutes, she politely and in a most sophisticated way, excused herself to walk up to the parking lot to smoke a cigarette!

Public Notice... (click to enlarge)

2011-07-11T13:26:00.005-04:00

Sad but True...

2011-03-22T12:19:00.004-04:00

I had just received a letter from some 'princess' who voiced her opinion on the 'Bicker bicker blog. She thought that those type of meetings were quite reasonable, and said I was spoiled (but not in those words).

I guess that misery loves company, as they say for her. She probably spends her time serving on many 'important' social committees, whose sole business acumen is to determine what type of finger foods to serve at their next meeting!

The world is way too full of these 'pretentious yuppie erudites' who think that the universe revolves around them...Sad but true !

Bicker, Bicker...

2011-03-21T10:25:00.003-04:00

After 41 years of owning 13 businesses, I have become fed up with associations. Now, you must understand that I have seen it all, from strip plaza associations to mall associations. They are a perfect microcosm of big Government politics. What a giant waste of time!

When leasing space in the sterile confines of a retail development, it is compulsory for each store owner to attend association meetings. I could go on and on with horror stories of (mostly women) bickering throughout the meetings (the men that willingly jump in to the squabble, may as well wear dresses, for they too can gossip and moan with the best of them).

Once, just before I walked out of an association meeting, they had gone from a 30 minute argument regarding what type of danish to serve (at these meetings), to (believe it or not), a 45 minute argument on whether or not to hire Barney (the purple dinosaur) to stand out on the street and wave to the passing cars. That dubious distinction went to the Merchants Association of Village West Plaza.

So, for those women (and women-like men) who each season insist on cajoling me into their petty groups, please understand this... I am (by your eruditic standards) a free spirit, even a tad bohemian. I will never again take part in a chamber meeting, a town meeting, or merchant association meeting. I leave those important resolutions of baked goods and barney's in your most capable hands.

Bragging Rights...

2011-03-11T10:13:00.003-05:00

We're Still Standing!

Like the Elton John Song: I'm Still Standing... It started with "Not In My House Fashion Boutique" (some 36 years ago), continued with Ultrasage, Starco Gems, Volcano, Stresstronics Inc., and now we have: The Town Of Dry Gulch and Crystal Chateau. We've outlasted "ALL" of the so-called competition!

The Best Of The Best... (Field Trips)

2011-01-19T11:13:00.002-05:00

I've spoken of the "Three Worst Field Trips", that, to this day, still blow my mind. Also agreeing with me are a multitude of other readers who have posted their comments (regarding the 'Three Worst Field Trips'). I would 'now' like to also give credit where credit is due to a few of the hundreds and hundreds of annual Field Trip Organizations who express admirable if not exemplary conduct.

~ Westfield Elementary (Mineral Minds): headed up by teachers, Mike Putney and Miss Kathy

~ Bemus Point Elementary: Jan Schauman, (teacher) and a host of teachers and chaperone's

~ Falconer Elementary Fenner, Carole Garrison (teacher)

~ Wattsburg Elementary: Sheri Hoffman, (teacher)

~ Cobham of Warren PA: Jamie Stright (loves it here so much that she brings the kids "Twice" each season!)

~ Corry Elementary: Karen Russell (teacher)

~ Corry YMCA: Michelle Brady (Child care co-ordinator)

~ Erie Camp Sherwin: Kristen Manslow (Child Care Co-ordinator)

~ Erie Eastside YMCA: Scott Gotham (Child Care Co-ordinator)

~ Harborcreek YMCA

~ Edinboro YMCA

~ Barb's Care-A-Lot: Harborcreek (over ten consecutive years of bringing the kids)

~ Findley Lake Day Care: Shauna Dobson (Owner)

~ Sinclairville Summer Rec: Andrea Gierlinger: (Counselor)

~ Sinclairville Elementary: Ken Lundmark (teacher)

~ Sherman Summer Rec: Barb Green and Cheryl (Counselor's) Six consecutive fun filled seasons)

~ TRZ Kidz: Lisa Lyon (Counselor)

The list goes on and on!

I have had these same same organizations come to Dry Gulch for years and years. They (teacher's, counselor's, chaperone's, and kids alike) have always demonstrated the utmost in courtesy and respect for the 'Dry Gulch Concept'. It is indeed a pleasure to work with them, and to watch the children grow.

Sheriff Bill

Sheriff Bill Shows Off His Art Talents... click here, or click the play arrow below.

2011-01-15T19:06:00.009-05:00

http://www.angelsoflilydale.com

Professional Fees...

2010-12-03T09:48:00.003-05:00

Last year I had the dubious distinction of receiving a letter from a well known Attorney in Jamestown, NY. and an equally well known Dentist in North East, PA. Upon opening the containing envelopes, I was dismayed to see that they were both enclosing... bills! There is really nothing worse than to receive an 'unexpected' bill in the mail. It took me a while to recall, but my attorney fee was for $100, which was for a phone call to his secretary. The dental visit was for the two and a half hours that I anxiously spent in his chair awaiting his decision on a problematic tooth.

This is the kicker. In both cases, I did not receive any services. The attorney situation was handled in one minute, by his secretary looking up some records, while I waited on the telephone. The Dentist kept popping in to tell me that he was very busy with a 'problem patient' in the next room, and finally came in to tell me that he didn't have the time to see me that day.

Now, if I spend time with a customer in the store here at 'Dry Gulch' (which I often do), and that customer talks my ear off for an hour, but departs without making a purchase; am I ethically permitted to send them an invoice for the time factor of: "Professional Fees"?

As John Stossel would say on the Fox News... "Give me a break"!

The Three Worst... You don't want to be a member of this exclusive club!

2010-06-18T14:46:00.012-04:00

The three worst groups ever to attend a Dry Gulch Field Trip, are oddly enough those that are associated with a high degree of business and community acumen:

Previously, I've written about the PA. United Way Teacher whom I caught screaming at the children, and subsequently bullying them into a hasty departure, long before games and prizes were ever awarded... simply because she couldn't handle a 3yr. old who was in tears. Obviously the wrong profession for this day care teacher! Her United Way superiors refused to comment.

Running a tie for aberrant behavior is a group of young counselor's from a PA., Warren County YMCA.
They conspired to concoct a story regarding their harsh treatment while at Dry Gulch. They demonstrated a huge lack of interest in the children, and the gem mining activities, and like the United Way Teacher, they were ill-prepared to do the very job that they were hired to do. (i.e. Assisting the children in fun summer activities) The YMCA Supervisors never responded to the numerous letters which were sent from 'other' supporting organizations of Dry Gulch Field Trips.

The third (but certainly not the least) is also a PA. city YMCA. This exceptionally large group left the entire Gem Mine in shambles! Trash was dumped in the children's water trough. Equipment and coolers were left behind. Flower beds on private property were trampled. A major display was torn apart... and the list goes on and on. Once again the supervisors were contacted, but nothing was ever done.

... A major disgrace, that the leaders of these institutions have tainted their precepts of operation and service to their respective communities by disregarding the proper decorum of addressing these situations. Instead, opting for the old adage of turning a deaf ear!

Leave your ego's behind...

2010-06-02T08:40:00.004-04:00

It's a shame that even the school field trips can be handled so disastrous by the teachers and chaperon's who plan them. Such was recently the case! It was a living cliche'. Power happy people: from the school bus driver who wanted to run the show, to the chaperon mom, who could only walk around and boast of her masters degree. Even two of the teachers made it quite clear that walking along the wooded trails was hardly their 'cup of tea'.

Please folks... a gentle reminder, this is the time for the kids. THEY are the stars of the show! Leave your fragile egos behind at the school. Sheriff Bill could care less about your masters degree, or the fact that you would much rather be out on the golf course. It's only two short hours out of your seemingly important lives.
At Dry Gulch... the KIDS rule!

Silver Lining...

2010-05-25T13:57:00.002-04:00

Such a shame when a school field trip comes to Dry Gulch and the teachers only want to sit in the shade... not a very good show of enthusiasm for the children to observe. But, every cloud has a silver lining (as they say). This time it was a single male chaperon, who walked the trails the entire event, and even went and picked up tools and papers afterwords. The five females (some were teachers) barely lifted a finger, and only two even said thank you at the close of the event. It was the gentleman, who again put them to shame. He both thanked me and added what a wonderful experience his daughter had. He remarked: " This mining experience gets the kids away from the computer games and provides both a reward of keeping the gems along with a lasting learning experience". By the way... 'All' the kids were a great bunch! They repeatedly thanked me and said they were anxious to come back.

Bees...

2010-05-19T08:26:00.004-04:00

Usually it's the kids that get into mischief here in the Dry Gulch Gem Mine. But, this is the strangest of all twists.

There was a medium sized group of kids and moms here for their very first excursion into Dry Gulch. I gave the same orientation (as usual) regarding rules, finding the gems, and not to destroy anything along the trails. I turned them loose, and proceeded to casually walk around, answering questions and assisting the tiny children.
I was walking down the long main trail when I noticed a mom stooped low to the ground. She was poking a long stick through the fence located at the miniature train set. I stood unnoticed, and observed as she desperately (if not methodically) tried to knock some of the miniature town figures into the small water pond. I could hardly believe my eyes! I walked up to her and inquired as to why she was poking the town's characters with a stick. She quickly stood up, dropped the stick. She became very befuddled (kid caught with hand in cookie jar), and stated: "I saw a bee in there and I was trying to poke it".

Like John Stossel says: "GIVE ME A BREAK"

The Creme Doesn't Always Rise To The Top... But The Sludge Sure Does!

2010-01-27T17:52:00.007-05:00

Just about everyone remembers the purchase of their first car. I sure do! It was a warm summer evening when my dear old father took me to 24th and State Street (in Erie) to go car shopping. Of course, in those days, it was always used car shopping. A decent used car went for around $500. Even at that amount a loan was required along with parental co-signers, and your first born as collateral. The owner of the car lot and his 'shark' reputation, came a stumbling out of his tiny shack (office) to put the squeeze on. He was a typical 50's greaser with dark slicked hair... a duck tail in the back and an Elvis wave in the front. The cars that he sold were always previously owned by a sweet little old lady, whom he knew personally!

I got sucked in and bought the car, but that's not the story. You see, this guy went on to become the biggest 'New Car Dealer' in Erie, (now residing in Florida and sometimes in Erie). He gained political clout as his dealerships increased. He purchased a small plane, learned to fly, (not to well according to his runway accident report), and even had sports events named in his honor. He was able to frequent the company of the Erie Mayor, and County Executive. And still today, he is held in the highest esteem of the elite upper crust social circles.

If you have never read the "Peters Principle", do yourself a favor. It depicts guys like this... rising to the heights of their own inabilities. He (unfortunately) has been cloned into all areas of Politics, Large and Small Business, Entertainment, and even Tel-evangelical Religion.

Tis the sludge that always rises to the top these day, and no longer the creme!

Pleeeeease...

2010-01-27T12:27:00.011-05:00

Please Moms... Be absolutely certain that you want your booking scheduled on a given date. It is a severe imposition for us to reserve your date (which means, all others who call are turned down on that date, as we hold it in good faith for you until we receive your deposit in the mail), then we find out, weeks down the road, that you have changed your mind.

Some moms do this every season without any consideration for the Dry Gulch Staff, or the many other moms wishing that they could have booked that very date. They think ahead only as far as their nose. And when something "pops up" in their schedule they panic and pull the plug.

Suggestion for scatter brain moms:
Step 1. Go to our web site: http://www.townofdrygulch.com It will answer 99% of your questions on cost, location, facilities, luggage to be packed, jail visitation, currency rate
exchange, etc.
Step 2. Talk it over with your kids, spouse, priest, analyst, board members, congress, etc.
Step 3. Check your calendar, moon charts, horoscope, lottery number.
Step 4. Call Barb: (716) 769-9888 She is a real person (not a robotic machine), and
extremely friendly!

Award Winning Performance...

2010-01-12T09:50:00.004-05:00

Do you ever have a memory that for some reason or other will stick around forever... even if you don't want it to? Well, that's the case here. Over twenty five years ago I had the gem mine located in an Erie Plaza. There was a UPS driver whom everyone in the Plaza got to know, and thus dubbed him, "The Little Old Lady", due to his propensity for gossip. One day, he had just dropped off a load of packages which I signed for, he commented that the girls in the Yuppie Hair Salon next door, were unhappy with their purchases (from my store) of gemstone bracelets, made the day before. Although my instincts told me that he was merely trying to "stir the pot", I caved to curiosity, and walked to the Hair Place to ask them in person. The owners husband happened to be seated at the counter (he was known for constantly hanging out in his wife's salon to 'check out the other women'). As I quizzed the puzzled girls to make certain that they were happy with their purchases (and they were), the owners hubby, in his most practiced Harvard Intellectual Dialect stated: he was far too busy to listen to his beloved employee being harassed. I was dumbfounded and started to politely explain the situation involving the gossipy UPS Driver, when, without warning his chair tipped over backwards and he fell beneath the counter. Quickly, he lost his erudite drawl, and began a tirade of expletives, which left customers shaking their heads.

The next day I was approached by the UPS Driver who blatantly stated that he heard I had assaulted the Yuppie Guy from the hair salon. I chose the high road, and refused to comment on the situation, knowing full well that he again, wanted to get something started. This infuriated the Driver, and later I was told that it equally infuriated the Yuppie Hubby. Their pride was forever damaged.

In the long run it has taught me a 'life-lesson' about people. It revealed their pretentious behaviours. their internal drives to irritate, and above all, their innate ability to turn things around on innocent people in order to justify their foolish exploits.

I thought of a contemporary parallel to my 'nagging' incident, just the other day, when hearing how a certain grandmother (of national acclaim) is cleverly altering her story regarding her daughters alleged murder of her own little tot. In a taped pre-trial hearing, the grandmother, held everyone from the investigating police to the attorneys, responsible for her daughters 'reprehensible' , not to mention, 'criminal behavior'!

What a shame that we now have grown complacent to living in a world where the guilty are 'so' well versed on turning things around. Twenty Five Years Ago it was few and far between with seemingly small and insignificant incidents, like that which I experienced. Today it is the 'norm' complete with Academy Award Winning Performances, and overt collusion from family and friends.

Field Trip Crashers, (sorry no booze)...

2009-10-20T12:13:00.005-04:00

The last event of the season, and no surprise, another disgusting incident. With approximately fifty individuals just roaming around in the parking lot area of Dry Gulch, it probably seemed easy for this couple and three kids from Ohio, to just blend in. It would have worked if it weren't for the fact that the observant teacher, who yearly organizes this final event for his students, failed to recognize this couple and kids. When he told me that they were 'not' with his group, I approached the mystery couple and asked. They stuttered and stammered, not quite certain as to what to say. When I politely explained that it was a "private" field trip, they got all indignant and left in a huff exclaiming, "we're from Ohio"!

Now party crashers never surprise me, for booze is the lubricant that loosens the soul. But, Field Trip Crashers... give me a break!

Jim Mime or Gem Mine... No Difference!

2009-10-14T17:06:00.003-04:00

The tiniest little munchkin was a tuggin' on my shirtsleeve. "Hey Sheriff, he said, are you as rich as all the jewels in the whole world"? I leaned over and replied, "I'm rich with all the little 'jewels' that ask these questions". After long pensive thought he skipped away singing... My name is Jim and I love the Jim Mime.

Supercilious Mom...

2009-10-14T09:25:00.004-04:00

At most of the private birthday party events, the parents will stay and join in the fun (walking the trails, enjoying the pleasant scenery, etc.). I in fact, encourage that. Children grow up all too fast. If you blink you may regret not being at something so memorable as "Dry Gulch", with the kids, and later on regret it. Then, you cannot turn back the hands of time... too late. I post this philosophy all over my web site and flyer's. But the yuppie moms, especially those who feign self importance, rarely do anything with their children. They are too stuck on pretentious erudite "flaunting" of themselves.
And so, one yuppette was standing in front of the main store, after coming back to pick up her son. She was sooooo stereotypical... two of her legs equaled one leg of that of a normal woman, as she stood like a stick in her perfectly pressed denim jeans and five inch heals. She announced (very loudly with flapping bird like gestures) to the other moms: " What is in that store over there"? When no one answered, I politely said: "It's a beautiful store full of my stone sculptings, artwork and incredible gifts... please go in an look around". She once again, in a very loud whiny voice (so as to attract maximum attention) said: "I just don't know what's in there, I just don't know".

Someone get this supercilious lady a minion to do her bidding!

Erie Zoo & Dry Gulch (something in common)...

2009-10-03T16:26:00.005-04:00

Tons of individuals pull into the parking lot each season, and ask the same old question:

"Can we go into the Gem Mine and just look around (without buying a ticket), just to get an idea " ?

NO...No...No! Try going to the Erie Zoo and asking if you need a ticket to just "go in and look around"!

Scolding a Yuppette...

2009-09-28T09:38:00.005-04:00

As many of you know, I also work as an artist ( of 40 years) under the pseudonym: William Paul.
My stone sculptings and paintings are open for view in the Main Store and Gallery (Crystal Chateau, and Earthstone Gallery).

A middle aged yuppie mom who brought her children to an event in the Dry Gulch Gem Mine, was bending my ear on how her son was so into gems, minerals and the like. She asked me if I had ever been to Hilton Head. I answered, no, and she went on to tell me of the "incredible" Gem and Mineral Shop that she took her son to at that resort. In fact, everything that she described from the Hilton Head Store is also for sale In Crystal Chateau! As I politely listened, I motioned toward Crystal Chateau and suggested that she walk the five steps into the store where she could see some "Equally Amazing" items that are hand sculpted from genuine gems and minerals (right here in our own little town). Her response was both ignorant and slightly pernicious. "I really don't have the time, but if you're ever in Hilton Head, it's a beautiful shop... you surely must see it".

SHAME... You are at Dry Gulch for a two hour event, what do you mean you don't have the time? And, how wrong of you to assume that I, (Sheriff Bill) would be so impressed by your pretentious name dropping of "Hilton Head". Time for a reality check lady!

No Board Meeting Is Required...

2009-09-21T13:32:00.006-04:00

Each season we receive numerous repeat calls of messages left on the answering machine. They are usually moms who don't want to take the time to visit the web site to find out prices, numbers of kids, availability, etc. So they waste time by calling five and six times and leaving stupid messages like: "What do I do if one of my five children doesn't want to come to Dry Gulch, but would rather go camping"? Or: " I might not have enough room for all the kids in my car. How should we get there?" Or my personal favorite: " Is this better than Chuck E Cheese, or Spalsh Lagoon? Believe me... we are highly entertained by these messages, but we do not have that kind of time to dignify them via a return phone call. It's actually quite simple (as thousands of teachers and parents have properly discovered). First: visit the web site http://www.townofdrygulch.com/ click on the type of event, e.g.: Birthday Party, Field Trip, Private Party, and read the fees, length of time, and numbers of children attending. Then: give us a call (716) 769-9888 and leave these magic words on the answering machine: I would like to book an event during the month of_________, for Mr. or Mrs. (school or organization name) _______ and I can be reached at________ .
I can assure you that your message/call will be promptly returned and an appointment will be courteously arranged through Barb.

Show Me The Money...

2009-09-01T09:51:00.005-04:00

Recently, a large event overfilled our parking lot. A crotchety type woman walked up to me and was giving me the business on how inconvenient that it was to double park in the lot. She went on to emphatically state that I should double the size of the Parking Lot.

I remember the cost of the initial parking lot which included excavation, five tri-axle's of gravel, and the final paving... (a mere $12,000).

Another recent suggestion came from a large summer rec. program of over 120 kids. One of the supervisors suggested that I build another picnic pavilion to keep the kids dry during the summer rain showers... (a mere $4,000)

So, here's my suggestion: Please mail your donations (minimum of $1,000) to the Town Of Dry Gulch, P.O. Box 253, Findley Lake, NY., 14736 Care Of: Dry Children and Comfortable Parking

Shameful University Art Prof...

2009-08-15T22:06:00.004-04:00

An informal group from Lake City, PA. came to the Gem Mine and were GREAT! They were exuberant, inquisitive, and very appreciative for the opportunity to go Mining for over one million genuine gemstones. A group of the younger girls and guys (approx. 12 to 25 years of age) asked to visit the gallery, and were allowed because of their maturity, and ability to articulate an understanding of the "Fine Art of Sheriff Bill" (William Paul), in both his use of Flat Art, and Dimensional Stone Sculpting.

One of the older adults could learn a thing or two from these young ladies... It was later found that she was a Art Prof at Edinboro University. She exhibited and articulated both arrogance and immaturity after leaving the gallery. This improper decorum slants unfairly toward the staff of Edinboro Art Dept., as she is always a representative of the institution.

Sheriff Bill, in his thirty five plus years as a professional artist, always speaks favorably of those who wish to share their art. After all... It's not a competition... It's a gift! This precept was delivered to Sheriff Bill many years ago by an old "hippie friend" who actually could paint circles around most of these social erudite's of higher learning, but instead opted to be humble and forgiving.

Counselors, Teachers, Chaperone's...

2009-08-15T12:45:00.004-04:00

At a recent field trip I was all set to walk the trail after the initial ten minute orientation, which I give at the beginning of every event. As I approached the main trail I overheard two young counselors who had just plopped down on a sitting log that is perched under a sun umbrella. She turned to the other and stated: "I'm bored"! The other replied: "I'm really tired"!

Just a tip to all Counselors, Teachers, and Chaperone's... The Gem Mine is for the benefit of the kids. Cool it with the complaints! This is their special time of enchantment in their young lives. The Dry Gulch Gem Mine is not about you, and the teachers and counselors are after all... getting paid! Try to remember when you were a kid, and an adult did something special for YOU.

Large Beavers...

2009-08-15T12:38:00.003-04:00

When I need a chuckle I think back to the event wherein two yuppettes came a running up to the store from the "Gem Mine". They were all a flutter, with hands a flappin' in the air. "We just spotted a family of Large Beavers down on one of the trails"!
I tried telling them the difference between a beaver and a big fat groundhog... "groundhogs don't sport a tail the size of a canoe paddle"!

Pam Positive...

2009-08-11T11:56:00.006-04:00

This year we once again have dedicated a very special day of Free Gem Mining, with games, prizes, and raffles, to a very special cancer patient: Pam, is our daughter's, (Samantha's) Best Friend. She was recently diagnosed with two forms of cancer.

We ask those who read this blog to send Pam a prayer of Super Positive Energy!

Click Play on the Smilebox below... be patient, as it takes a few seconds for the "purple" time bar to load. (do not click on accompanying advertisements as this will further delay the loading process.

Pam Positive...

2009-08-11T11:51:00.003-04:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Bemus Point Mom...

2009-08-10T15:20:00.003-04:00

Recently a Bemus Point, NY. mom had a birthday party for her twins. I would like to take this opportunity to tip my hat to this mom. She went above and beyond the call by purchasing "additional" items from the kids store for each and every kid that attended the birthday event here at "Dry Gulch". While most moms are seen giving their kids a smack on the back of the head and yelling: "you've had enough"; this mom recognized how important it is to send each kid home with a lasting childhood memory!

Almost Laughable...

2009-08-06T09:22:00.005-04:00

This is the time of the summer season when all of the moms are calling in for "last minute" appointments for the gem mine before the new school year begins. Their calls start off with a syrupy sweet : "Hello, I have heard so much about you, and I just want to bring a couple of my kids over to go gem mining for the afternoon". As soon as they are politely advised of the advanced reservation situation for the two hour block of time, they turn into the American Idol Contestants from hell! We've been told everything from these sweet and innocent moms. e.g: where to put the____________ gem mine... how far to put the____________ gem mine... and, one mom even suggested that we were ____________communists! Note: expletives deleted for your reading safety!

Wipe Out...

2009-08-04T14:03:00.005-04:00

I noticed a lady with a two year old at a recent Falconer, NY. Birthday Party event. The small child was attracting a lot of attention from other parents. Some of the adults were referring to him as the devil child. I thought that was a little cruel until I watched as he blatantly pushed another boy off of a sitting log, and no more than fifteen minutes later he slammed the jail door on the same child's fingers. The "devil child's" mom had witnessed both events and said nothing to the other mom. I kept my lips sealed and elected to stay out of it (in retrospect I wished that I would have intervened, she needed a good old fashioned chewing out on how to apologize to the other mom). That same (devils child) mom had earlier pulled her car into my parking lot and wiped out a five foot tall parking sign. She never once apologized, even when I politely pointed it out to her in the middle of the Gem Mining event, she just laughed it off!

Now, it took me a full hour to repair the sign, and all the time I spent thinking of her incident and those of her son: "the apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree".

I had promised the party mom that I would not blog about her, and I do hope that she understands that this blog is in no way a slam on "her". In fact "she" was one of the nicest moms that we have had here in "Dry Gulch". She even crawled under the picnic table to clean up the corn curls which had fallen to the concrete, at the end of the event. The "other" (devils child)mom could learn a whole lot about manners and decorum from the party mom.

Band Aids...

2009-08-04T13:57:00.002-04:00

The cutest lil' peanut was leaving a field trip and came over to give me a hug. She paused and looked up at me. "Sheriff Bill, she said, I want to give you something as a present for being so nice to me in the Gem Mine". Her tiny hands then opened to reveal three different sizes of band-aids. "My mom gave me these, and I really love em', but now I want you to have em".

Is that cute or what!?

Large Woman...

2009-08-04T13:46:00.003-04:00

A very large woman pulled into the parking lot following one of our Birthday Party Events. I was picking up papers in the parking lot when she pulled in and rolled down her window. "Hey Buddy" she yelled. "What the heck is in your store"? I replied... well come on in and I'll show you around. "Nope, I'm just too tired, and my kids are also exhausted"! She then pulled away, and in doing so a candy wrapper flew out of her window. I guess that about says it all!

Holy Church Lady!

2009-07-20T10:56:00.003-04:00

Although the number of amazing and cute things that happen at Dry Gulch events are still overwhelming (and too numerous to mention); the bizarre things just keep getting even more bizarre! Case in point: Yesterday, at a Birthday Party there was a young woman in her mid twenty's. I always tell the adults (separately) that if they are there just to observe, to please let the children find the gems and minerals for themselves. It is more tactile and rewarding for the kids that way. They (the adults) are also not permitted to mine and put the items in their pockets for little Bobby and Suzy back home. Sure enough not more than ten minutes into the event I spotted this lady with five arrowheads in her hand. When I approached her about them she clutched her hand tight and said: "I'm going to hand them out to the kids"... I told her: " That ruins the very concept of why the kids are there in the first place, as it is " a treasure hunt"! She then slammed them into my open hand and stormed away.

Here's the kicker... I later learned that this lady is the Pastor of the Family's Church!!! Now that sends a great message to today's youth... doesn't it!?

California or Bust!

2009-07-10T08:24:00.002-04:00

A California Family called for a reservation in "Dry Gulch" the day of my mothers funeral. (they have come three years in a row to Dry Gulch) I explained what had happened with Mom's Passing, but the husband just blatantly said: "money is no object". So I promised that when I returned from the funeral I would work his family into the schedule. We had to move several events around for him, and did so. But, when I called him back to give him the appointed time, he blustered that the $70 fee for the two private hours of gem mining was just too much money. They get games, prizes, velvet bags with as many gems as they can fit (400 to 500 each on average), their name goes up on the main sign, they receive free party bags at the conclusion of the event, and the two full hours of "PRIVATE" MINING TIME (with no other family's allowed in). His wife had always paid in the past, and I haven't had a price increase here in four years! So... He wasted my time... never offered condolences for the loss of my mom... and I had to move three other scheduled events in order to make room for him. He never even said that he was sorry for the inconvenience!

Bemus Point...

2009-06-14T21:22:00.003-04:00

Just finished up with my large group from Bemus Point Elementary. I salute the children, chaperones, and teachers. It was one of the best behaved groups ever! The Teachers and chaperones were the most caring that I have seen in some time, and the kids were magical with their hugs and handshakes. Bemus Point has it together!

Girl Scouts...

2009-06-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

A large "Girl Scout" event was just hosted here in The Town Of Dry Gulch. My attention was soon drawn to one of the scouts. She was quite frail in stature, quiet in demeanor, and an obvious 'keep to herself' type. She was not quick enough to win a single game, nor was she even interested in filling her bag to the top. She preferred studious inspection of each individual gem before accepting it into her pouch.

As the event drew to a close she stood patiently by herself, far removed from the crowd that always gathers around me. As soon as the large gang had cleared she climbed up on the cart, quietly saying: "Sheriff Bill, I had the best time of my entire life"! She politely shook my hand, and hopped down.

That's what it's all About!!!

Overtime...

2009-06-14T20:47:00.004-04:00

Events of any size of more than six kids will most usually take the full two hours to complete. I do not under any circumstances cut the game period short, or the final march up to the Kids Store (cabin). If you have arrived late, and then decide that you're going to cook hot dogs on the grill, it should then occur to you that it it going to run slightly overtime. Don't be immature and suggest that we eliminate certain fun parts of this childhood memory in order to favor your tardiness.

Conspicuous By Absence...

2009-06-14T20:14:00.005-04:00

I receive hundreds and hundreds of thank you's each season from parents who tell me what a nice thing that I am doing for kids. It then becomes almost 'conspicuous by absence' when a parent departs without so much as a smile. Such was recently the case!

Upon a substantial period of post party thinking, I arrived at a conclusion of sour grapes due to our grown-up "rules" here in Dry Gulch. When I announced that there was no smoking allowed in the Gem Mining Area, I heard a disgruntled mumbling from a mom and dad, who were then even further upset when the no cell phones rule was announced. These rules benefit the children (my one and only concern). And I do give the latitude of using both phones and cigarettes on the outside of the nearby gate.

With literally thousands of nice people who attend Dry Gulch each year, who are truly understanding of what we set out to accomplish for the kids... I salute you! However, for the mom and dad that continued to whine and grumble, I offer this...
Grow Up! It's not always about you! In this case, you could both learn from your children who told me that Dry Gulch was Awesome! Your one child actually had the right to shed some tears at the end of the event, but she toughed it out and didn't even let out a sigh of discontent in the kids store, unlike her mom and dad who were still caught up in life's improprieties and inequities that were seemingly leveled against them.

Macho Man...

2009-06-14T15:03:00.005-04:00

At a recent Birthday Party for a six year old, the father said that he was going to cook hot dogs on the grill. I explained to him how the "Amish Style Grill" works. He paid absolutely no attention to the twenty second explanation, stating, " I'm smarter than the average bear".

Lo and behold, the party's coming to an end one hour and a half later, and the eight hot dogs are yet to be cooked! ... Some Bear!

As if that wasn't enough to shame this great outdoors macho-man... He was peeking into the windows of the main store when his 'buddy' asked, "what's in there'? His reply: "Just a bunch of glass blowing junk. I hate glassblowers, they're boring and stupid, I'd much rather be stretched out on the couch."

That says it all!!!

One For The Books...

2009-06-05T09:20:00.006-04:00

When are people going to realize that a pretentious, yuppie attitude is so transparent that even the least discerning individual knows when they are being stroked?

A representative from another field trip facility (in this town) came strolling down our driveway just as we were about to leave for the afternoon. She began by bending our ears on how we should 'hook up' with them to combine field trips for the community.

She had obviously observed the 4,ooo plus kids that we entertain here in "Dry Gulch" each season, and wanted a piece of the pie. How funny, I thought, that this same Lady had never welcomed us some Six Years Ago when we first moved to this town (or at any point thereafter). Now, she stood boldly bending in through the passenger window of our vehicle, announcing her desire for a 'mutual program'.

In a very polite voice I asked what her concept entailed and how it would work when in fact "our" "Field Trips" to Dry Gulch" are sometimes booked a full year in advance, and co-ordinating schedules might just be a big problem! At this point she became quite disturbed and through pursed lips she uttered: "I'm a teacher and former principle, I can handle almost anything". She then added: "It doesn't matter, I just wanted you to know". She then turned and hastly walked up the driveway.

Now, every business person (worth his or her salt) knows that when you approach someone with a business concept, You Must Have A Plan and an appointment (erudites included). We were left wondering what the real intent of the visit was all about... perhaps a free ride on the shirt-tails of "our" field trip success?

Sad For The Killing...

2009-06-01T09:33:00.004-04:00

A bunch of lil' munchkins were yelling... "Sheriff Bill, Sheriff Bill, come quick"! "There's a big fat turkey on the trail". Sure enough, when I arrived there sat a wild turkey just calmly looking around amidst the confusion of seventy some five year olds. I told the kids that he was Thomas the Turkey (I discovered long ago that naming the animals in dry gulch, even the snakes, gave them an added personality and friendliness). One little boy went a running toward "Thomas" and was yelling: " Call my dad and get me my gun, I wanna blast him like blaaaam"!
Gheeeesh, parents... give the boy some time to be a kid! There will be plenty of time for killing later on!

It's A Shame...

2009-05-28T09:22:00.009-04:00

Isn't it a shame that we now have created a business world where deceit is the norm? Case in point... For the past ten years we have been working with a group of kids that are sent to Dry Gulch Field Trips via a Summer camp program. The owner of the facility had always assured us that she was legit with an Employee Id# for Sales tax purposes. This also 'assured her' that our special courtesy to schools, day cares, scouting groups, and Summer Rec Groups would be applied: (the $45 mining fee is waived).

This season we insisted on recording her tax #, and when she couldn't provide one, she turned the tables on us, stating that we were purposely putting a financial burden on 'her'. Although it is common knowledge to the thousands of parents who have children in these (summer camp ) types of programs, that the 'parents pay' for the field trips on a weekly basis, and that is above and beyond the cost of the camp program.

There are hundreds of good and honest people who call us for "Gem Mine Field Trips" each season. Some are new and have not received and/or applied for the tax ID#, but they happily pay the $45 Mine Fee. They understand completely that in order to qualify for the Tax Exempt Status and Waiver, an official State Issued I.D. Number must be provided... What's Fair Is Fair! Otherwise, every mom with a group of neighborhood kids could claim 'day care' status!

Our Prices are so reasonable it's almost laughable: (especially in this day and age)
$6.00 per miner for two private hours of non-stop FUN in the Dry Gulch Gem Mine, and all the Gemstones that you can find are yours to keep! We provide: a velveteen pouch, a welcome sign to your individual group or organization, games, prizes, and gift bags at no additional charge!!!
All "Private" groups and/or organizations are subject to paying sales tax and a $45 'Mine' Fee (Bona Fide Groups e.g. schools, day care, summer rec, scouts... must present a State I.D.# for the Mine Fee Waiver and Sales Tax Waiver)

Three That Make One Shake Their Head In Disgust...

2009-03-16T12:00:00.005-04:00

Attention Parents...Whatever you do (regarding a visit to Dry Gulch), BE FRIENDLY.Some Yuppie Moms, who couldn't get their kids in, due to a previously scheduled event, began yelling, screaming, and acting like morons. It made for an embarrassing situation, and sent their little ones into tears. Shame on them! The squeaky wheel never gets the grease here in the Town Of Dry Gulch! Every event is pre-scheduled for a designated block of PRIVATE time.You must follow one simple rule here...Enter smiling, and depart with Hugs or Handshakes. Note: this is a credo taken from the kids themselves!

Another Mom...was also insistent on getting her kids into the Gem Mine. When we called her back to make the booking arrangements, we got a lecture on calling her at a decent hour, and not in the middle of the night... It was 9:30pm! Please Moms, we do our best to return 'all' calls between 6:30pm and 9:30pm (there are ton's of them!)

And Finally...The most absurd display of immaturity from a teacher. Having scheduled a Field Trip for 'inner city' children from Erie, a "United Way" Teacher had a meltdown with the children. These lil munchkins had never even been in the country, let alone explored a "Gem Mine'. They were inquisitive and carefree as kids should be. But before the event was over, and not even a single game had been played, the teacher grabbed a tiny girl by the arm, and violently jerked her from the small group of twelve classmates. She curtly announced that the little girl just wasn't behaving and they were going to leave. Other kids saw the teacher tantrum and began to cry. They wanted to stay for the games and prizes, but the two hour block of time was just too much for the pitiful teacher.Here's the rule Miss Teach: If you can't handle twelve children for two hours, you might want to re-think your career choice, as there are an abudance of jobs open in the fast food industry!

NOTE: A visit to "Dry Gulch" equals a lasting childhood memory... In a world that is often filled with bad memories, it is incumbent upon the moms, and teachers to help make this enchanting experience, one of the fond memories!

Rock Shop...

2008-11-11T12:36:00.026-05:00

http://www.townofdrygulch.com/mainstoreandgallery It's amazing to me as to just how many people come to the Gem Mine and tell me that they never knew that the Store existed! Yes, the large A-frame is our store, "Crystal Chateau", and on the second floor (it has a Second Floor), is my art gallery, "Earthstone Gallery. I've been doing these similar stores for thirty years now! (NY & PA)

What is Crystal Chateau? Well, many would say it's a rock shop. But it is so much more than that. I have collected some of the most unusual gift items anywhere around! Year after year I attended some of the largest Gem and Mineral shows in the world... there I both honed my craft as a stone/mineral sculptor, and purchased rare and unusual items for our stores.

When I overhear someone say: "Gee, I just don't know what to get for them as a gift, they are so hard to buy for", I just cringe. "Crystal Chateau" is the absolute perfect store for the "hard to buy for"!

Take a look at this:

Amethyst Cathedrals

Thousands of Natural Quartz Crystals

Quartz Clusters

Faceted stones and Cabs

Quartz Candles

Spheres

Pyramids

Obelisks

Miniature Mineral Sculptings

Cut Crystal Suncatchers

Sunblasters

Blown Glass

Original Art

Extreme Jewelry

Freeforms

Pendants

Arrowheads

Sharks Teeth

Mineral Sculptings by:WILLIAMpaul

Citrine Points

Smoky "

Amethyst "

Rutilated "

Black Onyx"

Hematite "

Tumbled Stones by the Thousands

Gemstone Beads by the Ten Thousands

Etc. Etc. Etc. ... Oh, Yes we do Repairs

Also By Special Appointment! Call first to check on the open/close times. (716) 769-9888

Melancholy...

2008-10-27T11:40:00.006-04:00

Well Pardners... Tis the end of another very busy and successful season here in The Town Of Dry Gulch. Almost five thousand visitors this season! It started on a cool spring day in May, went through an incredibly hot and beautiful summer, and ended this past weekend on a rather cool and windy fall day.

I always get exhausted by seasons end, as it takes you to the limits with a demanding seven days a week schedule. There are acres of grass to keep cut, trails to be constantly groomed, "tons" of rocks to be re-positioned, repairs and maintenance on Fuzzys' Hut and The Miniature Town and Railroad, and a variety of after event clean-ups. I answer a mountain of questions on gemstone identification, solve hundreds of disputes with who found what first, get tugged around by lil' munchkins who want "The Sheriff" to personally help them find the gold, and do my very best to make each and every kid feel special (after all... I'm helping them to build a memory of an "awesome" summer experience, and that's a whole lot of responsibility to take on!)

Does it sound like I'm complaining? Not in any shape or form! These kids were wonderful this season... only a few questionable problems out of thousands of visitors... and that ain't too durn bad!

My only problem now is that of "MELANCHOLY". The prattle of tiny voices, the constant laughter, and the stampeding of small feet up and down the trails will not be heard again till next spring... Why is it that the summers fly by, but the winters just drag on?

Workin On The Railroad...

2008-10-20T12:57:00.006-04:00

This time of the season is always marked by one of my favorite groups, "Mineral Minds" from the Ripley/Westfield area. These kids are full of high octane energy (just as kids should be), and the cold windy weather never seems to bother them.

During the event I always play games and award prizes to them, but this year it was I (Sheriff Bill) who got the grand prize. As I was sitting atop the hay bale cart asking questions, they spontaneously broke out in song... "I've been working on the Railroad". Even the moms joined in!
It was absolutely so cute to sit there and listen to these guys performing, and I do mean performing! They were singing at the top of their lungs, and each begging for the attention and acknowledgement of "Sheriff Bill". I guess that you just had to be there to know what I'm talking about... a moment that I will never ever forget!

Just after their musical entertainment, our town siren went off. They all got very quiet, so I yelled... "We're under attack"! Without blinking an eye, they all went running for cover and laughing... one child even went and hugged a tree! This group is so spontaneous and way cool. I love them and their excellent teachers and organizers of the event... Miss Kathy and Mr. Mike.
P.S. My Deputy Devon was the cutest five year old ever!!!

Thirty something...

2008-10-20T12:43:00.003-04:00

What's up with these young moms and dads (age thirty or so), that tell me how tired they are to go down a trail and see their kids having fun. They just sit at the picnic table, head in hands, and count down the minutes till the end of the event. I'm twice your age and walk those trails about fifty times during each event!!! Don't be a load... get up of your behind and join the kids. Childhood goes by way to quickly, and before you know it you'll regret not having spent more time with them. It must be a tad embarrassing to have someone ask you just what "The Town Of Dry Gulch" is like, and the only thing that you can say is... "I was too tired to walk the trails to see it". How Pathetic!

Hello Buffalo...

2008-10-20T12:35:00.003-04:00

Kudos to a mom and daughter from Buffalo, NY., for saying such nice things about "Dry Gulch". The Nine year old little girl whose name is that of a popular New York City Street (we never reveal names on this Blog), was so polite, and filled with such genuine excitement over the gem mining experience! The Mom, surely could teach other parents the fine art of smiling and having "Quality Time" with their children!

School Official On The Loose...

2008-10-20T12:26:00.004-04:00

A prominent member of the areas education system, has been to "The Town Of Dry Gulch" on numerous occasions this season. He stands out among the crowd, not due to his help and guidance with the kids, but his constant flirting with the moms who attend these events. In fact it is so obvious that I often wonder why the moms put up with it when he is hovering above them and right in their faces. Someone should tell this character that this is a kids Birthday Party and not a sleazy pick-up bar! Shame on this educator!!!

Out Of The Mouth's Of Babes... Three

2008-10-14T08:31:00.003-04:00

A lil' sweetie pie was intently listening to the rules (at the beginning of each event I cover rules to protect the kids while mining, e.g. no running, no climbing fences, etc.). I could tell that amid the sea of five year olds, she was going to stand out. Sure enough, about half way through the event she tugged on my shirtsleeve. "Sheriff Bill", she said, " I've been thinking, and there's another rule that you missed". "What's that"?, I replied.

..."Never ever pick your nose"!!!

Radical Mom

2008-10-11T22:54:00.009-04:00

Someone should tell the radical mom , who proudly boasted that she lived in Pennsylvania, that she is a danger to children...

After she was stopped by Sheriff Bill in the parking lot, she was politely told that there were no turn-arounds, especially due to the fact that there was a birthday party of five and six year olds running around. She promptly blurted out: "I'm from Pennsylvania, and I'm going back there". She exited the parking lot at a high rate of speed leaving her own little one flailing about in the rear child's seat.
I must hand it to her by acknowledging the fact that she did tell me to have a nice day on her way out ... Oh, by the way, I have deleted her expletives!

Guess that children's safety and upbringing is not as important in PA. as it is in NY.!!!

Also... there are two clearly marked signs stating : No Turn-arounds, Small Children at play. (here at "Dry Gulch" we put the safety of your children first and foremost) I wonder how she would feel if the birthday event contained her child running about when another yuppie moron, lacking common sense, came a rippin' into the lot?

Bounce goes the check...

2008-10-06T09:05:00.009-04:00

So tired of the excuses that retailers get when a customer's check turns to rubber. The equivalent of "the dog ate my homework". If only they realized how much farther the truth would get them... i.e. "I'm very sorry that I didn't have sufficient funds in the bank to cover the check that I wrote to you. Now, tell me what I owe you and how I can make the payment to settle the bill"

If they only knew how much of a fool that they make of themselves by saying things like...

... "the bank screwed up and deducted the wrong account"

... "my husband was writing checks out of the wrong account, he grabbed my purse by mistake"

... "some water got on my checks and it smeared the actual balance so that I couldn't read it"

... "It shouldn't have happened, I know that there's money in there"

... "my name is similar to another customer's, and the bank got it mixed up"

Please folks... If you write a rubber check just do the right thing:

1. Call the business
2. Apologize for the inconvenience to them
3. Ask how much extra you owe them (as the banks always charge extra for NSF)
4. Work out a way to pay them in cash or credit card... and then do it!
5. Don't mess around with this hackneyed and lame reasoning of: "Just run it through again." We (the business owner)already know that there just isn't enough funds in your account!

I scream for Ice Cream

2008-10-05T10:02:00.006-04:00

Due to insurance policies that separates coverage for 'The Town Of Dry Gulch' versus our private property possessions and home, we are prohibited from using the house for shelter of kids, cleansing, bathroom privileges, etc. It's very cut and dried. However, this summer we had a yuppie father who insisted on storing his son's birthday cake and ice cream in our (home) refrigerator, while the party was going on. He pushed the issue a few times and was politely explained about the insurance prohibiting use of the house for those enumerated purposes. He wouldn't take no for an answer, and when he was finally told in no uncertain terms... NO... he got very upset and pouted for the remainder of his son's event. Even his wife said that he was throwing a typical tantrum!

Good example to the little kids at the party!

It's So Nice...

2008-10-03T08:59:00.010-04:00

It's so nice to hear the thousands of nice people every season that compliment us on "The Town Of Dry Gulch". Remarks range from:

..."It's about time that someone came up with a unique fun way to get the kids away from the computer games"

... " What a great thing for moms! A completely fenced in area, where you don't have to worry about the kids getting lost, Great Idea"!

..."My daughter went there on a School Field Trip and hasn't stopped talking about it since. Now she wants her birthday party there, and that's incredible since she always wanted that noisy pizza place"

..."Every year the kids insist on Dry Gulch. They love Sheriff Bill and the way that he makes gems and minerals, FUN"

..." Wow! A birthday Party where I didn't have to lift a finger! They organized the games, handed out party bags, did some decorations, put her name up on the sign, and even took care of all the trash at the end".

... " my son told me that he wants his Birthday Party there for the next 20 years"!

... "so different than the typical cookie-cutter amusements... and it's educational!!!"

Hidden Fees?

2008-09-28T09:56:00.004-04:00

This one takes the cake! A Birthday Party Mom decided to have her sons party at "Dry Gulch" again (second year in a row). After another successful party, she came to the store to pay for her event, and enthusiastically stated that it was yet another overwhelming success! About ten days later we received a letter from this same mom who blasted us by calling us every name in the book for hitting her with hidden charges totaling about $8.00. We looked into the matter and found that the $8.00 in question was the state sales tax! (which was clearly indicated on the receipt)

Someone please tell this uninformed mom that everything, and we mean everything in the state of NY gets hit with a sales tax. The retailer does not get to keep this fee for a down payment on a reclusive resort get-away and other "pleasures", but our governor does! (at least the one that just got booted out of his office)

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes... Two

2008-09-27T18:38:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it just catches you by surprise... Things are going along smoothly at a birthday party that is filled with four, five, and six year old children. I'm at the stage when I talk to the kids about the gemstones that they will be digging for, and how to fill their pouches with as many gems as possible. Out of the blue a small boy asks what happens when the pouches get full, and I reply, "just put the larger arrowheads and quartz crystals in your pocket, this will leave more room in your pouches". At that point, all heck brakes loose. One lil' peanut says, "I've got two pockets, another says, "I've got five pockets", and before you know it a sea of children are shouting out how many pockets they have... each trying to one-up the previous one!

Now it occurred to me that in the midst of a stock market leaving all but the bizillionaires high and dry, and more debt in the world than there are grains of sand on all of the beaches; these unpretentious tykes were caught up in the most important topic of their tiny worlds... who had the most pockets.

I guess everything is relative after all!

Just a Kid... Really?

2008-09-26T15:38:00.004-04:00

And then there was the case of a 16 Yr. old (from Corry) who decided to bend down the fence that protects the miniature town and railroad. He waited till the end of the event, damaged the fence, got into the outdoor train, broke the quartz crystals off from the coal car and subsequently pocketed them. Note: The very expensive Engine Of The Train was damaged beyond repair, after he stopped it with his hands in order to break the quartz crystals free from the coal car that it was pulling.

Now this moron thought that he was too cool so he proceeded to load his pockets with stolen items from the store.

Sheriff Bill caught him about 30 minutes down the road, where he turned from tough guy to mush, pleading... "Hey... I'm just a kid"!

Hey Mr. Backward Hat...

2008-09-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

... Mr. Backward Hat comes a toolin' into the Main Entrance Gate, (which was almost fully closed, allowing for deliveries only), past the "Sorry Closed" sign, past the "Private Driveway" sign, and stops quick, in front of the garage door. "Hey Buddy, when the heck are ya open", he shouts... Now, the worst way to get information from Sheriff Bill is to start by breaking all the rules. (and the main rule: the squeaky wheel NEVER gets the grease here in Dry Gulch) Mr. Backward Hat was quickly shown the way out!

Shame On This Teacher...

2008-09-26T13:02:00.006-04:00

... By now most of you are familiar with the Erie Teacher from a large community funded day care(United Way), who "acted the fool" by telling her inner city kids (most of whom had never been in the scenic country woods, let alone a Gem Mine), that they were misbehaving and would not be able to play the games. She loaded them back on the bus (some in tears), and said very unkind words to Sheriff Bill when he asked why the sudden exit from the two hour field trip. This "Teacher Meltdown" was sooooo immature, and unprofessional! Yes, the agency was notified by phone, and her supervisor replied: "she (the teacher) was just having a bad day". Shame on them! Any teacher who can't handle a two hour field trip of twelve kids (and two additional teachers assistants), would be much better suited in the fast food industry!

As for the United
Way Management Team... They never did reply to the letter that was sent depicting the Immature and Unprofessional behavior of this teacher!?

Rocky Is Sad...

2008-09-26T12:59:00.002-04:00

... A distraught mom called me over to tell me that she was horrified by the way that I maintained my saddle for "Rocky". "You should not let it get so beat up looking". I turned to her and replied:"lady, just have about 5,000 kids sit and climb on your back every year, then we'll see how you look"!

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes... One

2008-09-26T12:56:00.002-04:00

... The Cutest lil' peanut tugs at my shirt and hands me a rhinestone sequin that she had tediously ripped off from her denim shorts. "Sheriff Bill, I want you to remember me forever with this" ... Out of the mouths of babes!

Parents... Please Remember This:

2008-09-26T12:52:00.001-04:00

The kids are here to have fun! You are planting a seed (so to speak) into their 'special chilhood memories'. If you constantly badger them, tell them that they can't go in the General Store (which is specifically a kids store), or as is the case with a few "Macho Dads", tell them that the Gem Mine is not real... you then destroy the enchanting illusion of that Beautiful Weekend Trip into the Country! We all have great childhood memories. This is your chance to give this "special gift" to your children.

Hey Super Sport... Slow Down!

2008-09-26T12:48:00.001-04:00

There are lots of lil' munchkins at play here. Please don't come rippin' into the parking lot to turn around. Think of it this way... it just might be your little brother, sister, nephew, or niece. Someday, it just may be your own child, and that will be you standing there yelling at the passing rockets to slow down.

John Wilson Memorial

2008-09-26T12:40:00.001-04:00

... The John Wilson Memorial was recently held, and was a great success! Special needs kids were treated to a day of free gem mining, snacks, games , and prizes!

Stomping On Small Business...

2008-09-26T10:58:00.010-04:00

Having been self employed for thirty plus years, one would think that "respect" would finally come with the territory... WRONG! Seems that the "New Yuppies" have this concept in their minds that they both , know it all, and are better than those accounts or people that they serve. Case in point: The Advertising Industry... that necessary evil, should now be kissing up to all of the retailers and small businesses, in view of the recent "state of the economy". But, just the opposite is happening. Young Yuppies, are given the status of "class titles,"e.g. account executive, associate marketing director, etc. Their immediate supervisors are often but a few years their elder, if not the same age, and lacking both wisdom and experience. They can do no wrong, even when it is definitively proven that they are wrong! Like gregarious birds of a feather, they huddle among themselves telling each other how he, she or it is wrong, and convincinging one another that they are the one's in the right. Their fluffy titles go to their heads, and when coupled with the company that they represent, a condescension automatically takes place. How often do you hear: "Hello, I'm Jane/John Doe marketing consultant for a major firm" ? Would they ever say, "sales rep. for a pitifully small company"? No, they represent what is considered a Goliath, while small business is viewed upon as "ma and pa". And thus the cycle of I'm up here and your down there, begins. One can even extrapolate this into personal everyday testimonials with the banking tellers of today, customer service employees, insurance salespeople, car sales, and the list goes on and on. All are equipped with lofty attitudes of, "I'm more important than you are, so hurry up I need to get on with my very important day". At fault are the owners and general managers, who fuzzy up the ego's of employees with lavish titles to avoid the encumbrance of salary, matching wisdom and experience. Ti's the ole' Peters Principle: Man rising to the height of his inabilities!

Some Parents Are Worse Than The Kids...

2008-09-25T11:45:00.014-04:00

Entry for September 26, 2008: While helping kids identify the gemstones that they found in the mine, I came upon a dad who stopped me with a question. While chatting with him he opened a candy bar and proceeded to drop the papers on the trail... right in front of me... gheesh! There are no such things as gem mine gnomes or fairies that appear for clean-up duty! At the end of an event tis I, Sheriff Bill, who bends over time and again to pick up litter.
...at a "State Park" you would receive a hefty fine. Think about it!